Senior Program Manager

Leidos Holding$154K — $278K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 15+ years or Master's degree with 12+ years in software-intensive program leadership or equivalent experience.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain a polygraph.
  • Proven track record of leading large, distributed engineering teams across classified and unclassified settings.
  • Experience managing software portfolios exceeding $20M annually.
  • In-depth knowledge of full-stack software development, DevOps, CI/CD, and cloud environments.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
  • Experience in business development and proposal efforts, including technical solutions and cost estimates.

Responsibilities

  • Direct large-scale, full-lifecycle development and deployment of mission software systems.
  • Oversee classified systems that support operational intelligence and strategic decision-making using Agile methodologies.
  • Act as the senior liaison to government sponsors to shape technical direction and manage challenges.
  • Execute program with a focus on maintaining technical and financial performance baselines.
  • Lead innovation and prototyping initiatives to enhance mission capabilities and expand program scope.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on mission-critical systems for the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.
  • Engagement in cutting-edge technology areas like AI/ML integration and cyber innovation.
  • Experience managing complex, multi-location teams enhancing leadership and collaboration skills.
  • Potential to influence technical direction and strategic growth in a dynamic environment.
Full Job Description
Leidos is seeking a proven technical program management leader with deep experience leading large-scale mission software development, full-lifecycle modernization, and distributed engineering organizations. The ideal candidate has directed complex software programs, overseen multi-discipline teams delivering secure, high-performance capabilities, and demonstrated authoritative leadership across architecture, integration, DevOps, cyber, and cloud environments. Candidates must bring hands-on credibility in software development and sustainment, not just program oversight, with a track record of delivering mission-critical systems for the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.

This role requires meaningful technical credibility, disciplined program leadership, and demonstrated success running large-scale, full-lifecycle software development and sustainment programs exceeding $20M/year. Consider that Mission System Modernization is a continually challenging requirement that demands modernization of legacy mission systems into secure cloud, hybrid, or containerized architectures, ensuring resilience, scalability, and future ready capability delivery.

Key Responsibilities
  • Technical Program Leadership of Large-Scale Program: Direct full-lifecycle development, integration, deployment, and sustainment of mission software systems spanning analytics, cyber, geospatial, and enterprise data workflows.
  • Mission-Critical Delivery: Oversee development and sustainment of classified systems of systems supporting warfighter intelligence, operational planning, and strategic decision-making using Agile Execution methodologies and strategies to implement and enforce enterprise Agile practices, Program Increment Planning, CI/CD pipelines, and rapid prototyping methodologies across distributed teams.
  • Customer Engagement & Strategy: Serve as the autonomous senior interface to government sponsors, shaping technical direction, resolving issues, and driving mission-aligned growth.
  • Program Leadership: Develop and execute program with disciplined accountability of technical, schedule, and financial matters to maintain performance baselines and embolden customer confidence.
  • Innovation & Prototyping: Drive rapid prototyping, IR&D initiatives, and technical fellowship-level solutioning to accelerate mission capability insertion and expand program growth opportunities.


Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree and 15+ years of experience in software-intensive program leadership; or Master's degree with 12+ years; or equivalent experience.
  • Active TS/SCI with ability to obtain a polygraph once hired.
  • Demonstrated leadership of large, geographically distributed engineering organizations delivering mission software across classified and unclassified environments. Distribution must be at least two or more physically/geographically separated locations.
  • Proven success managing $20M+/year software development and sustainment portfolios.
  • Deep experience with full-stack software development, DevOps, CI/CD, cloud, cyber, and enterprise data systems.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills spanning technical, operational, and executive audiences.
  • Experience supporting business development, technical solutioning, and major proposal efforts with hands on knowledge/development of BOEs, RFP/RFI response generation.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI with polygraph.
  • Experience delivering mission-critical classified systems for the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.
  • Background in software architecture, cyber innovation, AI/ML integration, modeling/simulation, or enterprise modernization.
  • Experience leading multi-discipline teams of 100+ personnel across diverse technical domains.
  • Demonstrated ability to recover troubled programs, re-establish technical execution, and deliver under high-visibility conditions.
  • Experience driving IR&D, rapid prototyping, and technical innovation pipelines aligned to mission needs.


Original Posting:
August 18, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:
Pay Range $154,050.00 - $278,475.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos Holding

Leidos Holding Careers

Joining Leidos Holding presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance one's career with a leader in innovation and technology. The company offers a plethora of job opportunities aimed at fostering professional growth and development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Explore Career Opportunities

Leidos Holding is actively seeking skilled professionals who are passionate about leveraging their expertise to drive innovation and leadership in their fields. With a variety of open positions, Leidos Holding provides a platform for individuals to challenge themselves in a dynamic work environment.

Innovation and Professional Growth

At Leidos Holding, innovation is at the core of everything they do. Employees are encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries. The company supports this drive for innovation through comprehensive professional development and diversity training programs that are designed to enhance skills and foster leadership.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Leidos Holding is committed to creating a workplace where diversity is not only recognized but celebrated. With a culture that values and promotes diversity, Leidos Holding ensures that all team members have the opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow.

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For those starting their career, Leidos Holding offers internship programs that provide a robust foundation in the industry. Internships are a great way to develop essential skills, gain valuable work experience, and build professional networks.

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Employees at Leidos Holding enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. The company culture is built on a foundation of respect and integrity, providing a supportive and collaborative environment where every team member is valued.

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Leidos Holding is hiring! Explore job opportunities that match your skills and interests. Leidos Holding looks for driven, curious, and innovative individuals to join their team. Positions are available across various disciplines and experience levels.

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Leidos Holding encourages its employees to engage in networking within the company to discover new opportunities for career advancement. The leadership team at Leidos Holding is dedicated to supporting employees in their career paths with ample opportunities for networking and growth.

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